Polar Plunge for Special Olympics to be held Saturday

Thursday

NORTH TOPSAIL BEACH | The temperatures will be a little warmer but it is always a good time to take a plunge for the Special Olympics.

The 2018 Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Onslow County will be held Saturday, March 17, at Onslow County Beach Access #2 at 2950 Island Drive at North Topsail Beach.

The Polar Plunge is typically held in January but was rescheduled this year due to time constraints following a leadership change.

Special Olympics Onslow County Local Coordinator Christina Aultman said the Polar Plunge will return to January in 2019 but there is still some dipping to do in 2018 to help raise funds for the county’s more than 1,200 Special Olympics athletes.

Registration for the event is from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., with an opening ceremony at 10:40 a.m. and the plunge into the ocean at 11 a.m. There will also be a children’s sandcastle contest beginning at 9 a.m. and costume contest at 10:15 a.m.

Aultman said it is a fun morning for the whole family to enjoy. Come prepared for a refreshing dip into the water or just stop by to watch as others brave the cold ocean temperatures.

“It is open to anyone who wants to come on out,” Aultman said.

More than 200 people attended last year’s Polar Plunge, which has become the organization’s largest fundraiser. The 2018 event raised more than $9,000.

Donations go directly to help the athletes who participate in 13 sports year around and compete in spring and fall games.

Aultman said the donations cover expenses such as uniforms, travel and lodging to state or other games, and competition fees.

“All donations stay within Onslow County and go to the athletes,” she said.

The registration fee to plunge is $30 for individuals; $20 for students or $25 per plunger for teams of three or more.

Registration can be completed online or on site on the day of the event. Donations can also be made at the website at firstgiving.com/sonc/2018onslowplunge